Afternoon Tea at Stirling Highland Hotel in Stirling

Visited with my husband recently after receiving a hotel, spa and afternoon tea voucher for my 50th birthday. My husband suffers from a severe seafood/fish allergy and carries an epipen after being hospitalised in the past. This was explained to the staff who said that this "was a standard request and would not be an issue" After waiting over 30 minutes with no sign of our afternoon tea I asked a member of staff if there was any sign of our food and were told that our server that forgotten to order our afternoon and did we want to wait! I explained that we had received a gift voucher so we would have no choice but to wait. After another 15 minute wait our afternoon tea arrived. My husband who was starving by this point was just about to tuck into the savories when I detected a smell of fish. It transpired that there were 2 salmon tartlets which were also touching the sandwiches. I immediately removed them from the plate and took them to the server who confirmed that these were indeed salmon! What point of a seafood/fish allergy do they not get. I immediately asked to see the manager and he agreed that this was completely unacceptable. I did feel that some of the staff did not appreciate how serious this could have become if my husband had eaten one of these tartlets. We did not eat any of the afternoon tea after this as we simply could not take any chances. A refund was given but this definitely did put a dampner on what should have been a lovely birthday treat.

Beautiful afternoon tea served by lovely friendly staff. Great choice of food: sausage rolls, sandwiches, scones and cakes, tea/coffee.

Basic table setting, no tablecloth, paper napkins, basic crockery, uninviting, sandwiches nice, scone warm , but cakes dreadful, no top up of tea offered, visit disappointing

Appalling service, with waitress shouting across restaurant and failed to offer Prosecco that I had paid for when purchased "itison" voucher. Coffee weak, tepid and of poor quality. Four small cakes, no scones as I have a raisin allergy and they only have pre-purchased from England. I required to stop at a garage for food and coffee. The waiver to remove sandwiches not required as unavailable as was packaging for cakes. The total experience was worse than poor; I wrote and email on Thursday morning and this was responded to on Tuesday by manager David Sougall; with a list of excuses as why it was not that bad and 99% of people where satisfied. This took me to look at Trip adviser and they obviously fail to review this as it is certainly not 99% satisfaction. Avoid avoid avoid- the 15% reduction offered was not an incentive.

Received a voucher for my birthday in 2020 (which was extended due to covid) when I tried to book the person on the phone was extremely abrupt (I phoned on the Tuesday asking if there was possibly any space for Wednesday; admittedly they voucher does say 72 hours notice however I thought I would see if they were free; which she was very abrupt in telling me that there was no change in the 72 hours - which was fine as we just were working around days off). Which then meant we booked for the Saturday. We arrived 5 minutes early and on signing in initially the waitress took a while to find the booking however then found it and highlighted it on the sheet…we were asked to wait in the bar, where we waited and a separate member of staff said they had no record of the booking however would “try and squeeze us in” - where we then seen only 4 other occupied tables. Staff were inattentive, didn’t have the basics of decaf tea stating “can’t find it” after saying they had it, then brought tea without milk….then when the stand was brought over we noticed ours looked nothing like anyone else’s, half the cakes; which were stale, scones which were flat and soggy and an uneven amount of bland sandwiches. Nobody attended to the table at all during our time there. On leaving to pay for the soft drink we had (as one person doesn’t drink tea/coffee - which most places would alter an alternative drink free of charge - not here - almost £3 for a soft drink) as the place was not well manned, I checked the booking sheet as I wanted to know what was highlighted when I said my name & had booked almost 5 days earlier to arrive and be told there was no record and would be squeezed in - with an afternoon tea that certainly represented that - only to discover my name was on the list however had been spelt wrong (not that I was ever asked the spelling on booking or arriving so that’s totally beside the point - I was actually booked in) and it was clear as it even stated type of voucher I had quoted on the phone and correct number of people! Very poor wouldn’t return or recommend & especially not as a gift as we felt a complete inconvenience first and last time visiting! Whilst there is a lift to get there I also feel for people with disabilities/Prams it’s an inconvenience to get to - narrow corridors and a bit of a walk & the only way we entered/left the building there was stairs Be mindful of the parking to enter your details at reception - staff don’t tell you about this but it’s well signed in the carpark & machine is at hotel reception which we had to go to anyway to find out where we were going.

Okay I love an afternoon tea. This one was the best I have had and was super fresh and served with a smile. Super fresh finger sandwhiches including Coronation chicked. Cheese and pickle and tuna and superbly presented. Warm fresh scones (huge) with clotted cream jams and butter and a good selection of nice cakes and extra tea was no problem from the attentive staff.

I received a voucher for my 30th birthday to have afternoon tea here. As someone with a gluten intolerance I was pleased to see written on the voucher that they accommodate gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets. I booked days in advance and told them my dietary requirements at the time of booking. I received 4 sandwiches, two egg and two avocado and lettuce, a small bowl of fruit salad, a scoop of sorbet and a small bowl of inedible cold custard. Is this afternoon tea or a selection of random desserts? My mum on the other hand had a selection of cakes, scones, a cheese cake and pastries. I don’t feel like any thought was put into my afternoon tea at all especially as there is a whole host of gluten free baking that I could have received - macaroons, meringues, florentines and just using different flours. It was embarrassing and I will not be eating here again.

Was not made aware that you need to enter your car registration number to use their carpark even for customers

My wife and I visited Stirling Highland Hotel after a visit to Stirling Gin. We had a very good afternoon tea. Although the restaurant was busy with Christmas Parties we were very well looked after. The food was very well presented and very tasty. I would recommend visiting Stirling Highland Hotel and we will be returning.

We visited for a Birthday Afternoon Tea and had a friend with us who uses a wheelchair. My husband was picking us up so parked in a disabled bay. However, we were dismayed when we received a charge of £60 from a Private Parking company working at the hotel. The issue wasn’t where we parked but the fact that we didn’t register our car at reception. Unfortunately, we hadn’t seen the signs and we weren’t told about the parking situation. We now know to our cost that if you don’t register your car then no matter what your situation you’re fined. We weren’t alerted to this and the manager admitted in correspondence that the staff should have pointed this out, but the hotel group have refused to offer any compensation. The fine was paid as we were threatened with the cost increasing substantially. A very disappointing end to what was a lovely day and a very disappointing decision from a major hotel chain.

£25 for afternoon tea for 2 is quite good value. The food was freshly cooked and good quality. The tea was excellent...not sure what brand. The good thing about this for me was that there was just enough, some afternoon teas give too much and it's wasteful. My husband particularly enjoyed the smoked salmon sandwiches which were well filled and delicious.

Väldigt gott var det som kom in på kakfatet. Rikligt och mättande och mycket fint upplagt. En kanna tea och allt var fulländat.

Had afternoon tea here just over a week ago. I'm afraid we did not enjoy it. Staff were pleasant but not attentive. Cake stand was brought to table but no tea or coffee which was ordered before we even sat down at table. Couldn't get attention of waiting staff as they walked through the room not even looking at the tables to see if anyone needed anything. Had to call out to waitress to get her attention. When tea and coffee came was surprised at how little we were given in tiny pots holding just over one cup. Sandwiches were tasteless scones were not great and rather heavy. Did anyone come and ask if we needed more tea or to ask if everything was ok, no they didn't. Dreadful service for four star hotel and poor afternoon tea.

Staff were helpful and polite. Sandwiches were very fresh. Scones and cakes were tasty. Refills of tea and hot water were available. Will return.

Booked for afternoon tea with my family ! On arrival shown into lounge with low tables ! Asked to move but was told if we moved only hav table for 45mins ! After abt 15mins tea and coffee arrived ! Waiting abt 30mins for food ! It was put on our table then taken off and given to another couple ! 2 veggies 1 dairy free and one ordinary afternoon tea booked ! After abt 5 mins came back took afternoon tea off the other couple and tried to give back to us ! After they had touched sandwiches ! Eh no ! I asked to speak to manager by now had been in lounge for an hour no food ! Manager came spike to us was a bit rude at first saying they were busy ! Eh no excuse ! Eventually gav us a glass of wine each and offer of cheese board ! Can’t fault food when it did arrive but defo won’t be back x

We had our AT a couple of weeks ago and could not fault it. Everything was lovely and the staff were also very good, bringing us fresh tea when we kept running out. I have also had AT at Gleneagles and I thought this was better, although surroundings not quite as good. I would recommend to anyone looking for lovely food in a nice hotel.

El hotel es una antigua escuela, así que trata de identificar dónde te encuentras. El té probablemente se sirve en un antiguo salón de actos. Buen servicio del personal. El té de la tarde era una gran variedad de sándwiches, bollos con crema y mermelada, y varios pasteles. Mucho más de lo que podrías consumir. Suministros liberales de té o café. Buen aparcamiento en un patio. Recuerde registrar su número de automóvil en la recepción. Un poco caro pero una buena experiencia.

Used an itis on voucher for afternoon tea. We were warmly welcomed and shown to our reserved table by friendly staff. One of our party ordered a steak which was quickly served. Afternoon tea was very good although the cakes looked as if they had been bought in rather than made in the kitchen.

Had a fizz and afternoon tea with a voucher. Service good and food ok, not much atmosphere, would have been disappointed if we had paid full price!

we had booked this hotel for a friends special birthday and were bitterly dissappointed in what we recieved. the sandwiches were hard and had clearly been left out without being covered for some time. There was very limited selection of cakes and we were put in a seperate room. which at first seemed nice, however the staff continued to forget to serve us and we had to make a couple of visits to the recpetion to ask for coffee/tea. i was very dissappointed in this as it was a very special occasion.

My husband and I booked the champagne afternoon tea as we were staying overnight in the hotel. Sorry! I hate writing a bad review but the lady who served us wasn't nice st all. We were not made to feel welcome, were made to sit at our table and wait 20 minutes before we were served our coffee. Sandwiches were fresh, scones were hard and crispy, cakes were nothing fancy would never ever have paid over £40 for what we got! We were never offered more tea or coffee and had to ask for our champagne. Worst service and afternoon tea I've ever had. Forward 6 hours later went to same restaurant for our dinner and the evening staff were lovely, dinner was superb. Think a bit of staff training is needed for your afternoon staff on Easter Sunday.

A very relaxed setting for Afternoon Tea and a girly catch up. Staff left us alone to chatter and we didn't feel any time pressure once we had finished.

Cakes, scones, with plenty of clotted cream and jam Saniches included salmon, egg and ham Coplete with tea or coffee

Greeted warmly by staff. Food and drink arrived quickly. Everything delicious and well presented. Plenty to eat.

Great staff, great venue. Our afternoon tea was lovely, really enjoyed our visit. The sandwiches did not suit my husband but I liked them.

Great selection of cakes and sandwiches. Most places have very exotic flavours, but this was very traditional to the area which was lovely. The scones were very tasteful with plenty of clotted cream and jam. Staff were very friendly and looked after us well during our stay.

We had afternoon tea during our hotel stay.

Had a very nice tea, selection of sandwiches, scones and various fancies. The staff were very polite and considerate

Not quite what we expected more like a low tea than a High. Every thing was acceptable but no sparkle

First class although a tad expensive. Finger sandwiches scones and cakes plus a decent pot of tea. How decadent but nice!

We were the only people in the place. It's a big barn of a place painted in weird colours. Baronial castle type of decor. Afternoon tea would have been better in the bar area. The windows in the restaurant are huge but very high. There is an amazing view but you can't see it from the seating area.

My friend got a voucher for use of pool sauna etc and afternoon tea . Was lovely friendly atmosphere . Clean . Don't understand why people would say it was grubby it's an old building after all . Afternoon tea was great more than u need for a lunch but ate everything . Great scones and yummy cakes . Would love to go back enjoyed the loungers and the resident inflatable dolphin ...... My friend and I are 40 ;) . Facilities not over crowded!

What more could one ask for, close to a castle, close to a town, excellent hotel we had a premium room and it was all lovely, the food was excellent, the staff were great, could not complain all should try and enjoy The Stirling Hotel Scotland. .

The Stirling Highland needs urgent attention, very disappointing not a pleasure at all, would not recommend afternoon tea, I requested no fish when booking, however got salmon! Unimaginative food, grubby dated decor.

Started at reception where we waited for five minutes with no one there so we went up stairs to restaurant where again we waited for around 5 minutes before we spoke to a bell boy passing the restaurant. He told us to take a seat that the woman was busy doing lots of things and she would be there. After a few more minutes she came and took our name and curtly asked for our Virgin experience voucher. Whilst getting this out my handbag she served another two groups wanting to pay before seeing to us. Told her that although cheese sandwiches are not mentioned on website I do not like cheese just in case. We're told that should have said this when asked on booking said we were not asked at this point but does it matter if sandwiches made fresh. So instead of getting three fillings we were only given two fillings. What. The warm scones on website were cold as was the coffee, although it was replaced. Teapots really need cleaned. One pot of jam between two of us....really. Did get another one. Clotted cream was hardly that. Could tell that everything had been pre made and put in cooler till served. Definitely not worth it. Have had much more and better for half the price.

so nice and the food and refreshments were fantastic as the staff so friendly and helpful they were really busy but had time to speak to you and recommend some of the menu and could raise a smile

I have visited this restaurant a few times for afternoon tea. They cater very well for people with different dietary requirements. My friend and i are gluten free and we had as much selection as everyone else, (which does not happen everywhere) Staff were friendly, and oce you were served left you alone to have fun. We did not run out of food or drinks. Highly reccommended!

Very disappointed with whole experience

perfect afternoon tea with a great atmosphere, staff were friendly, ambiance was nice and relaxing. will definitely return

A really comfortable and welcoming setting. the food was lovely and there was plenty of it. Can't wait to go back.

Well presented sandwiches, and cakes with hot tea. Really nice, but eat in bar area if you can as it can be a bit dark in certain areas of dining room

We used a voucher and had afternoon tea here. Having read some negative reviews, we were not expecting much. However, we were very pleasantly surprised. Although only one person seemed to be on duty in the Headmaster's Study (which is a lovely room), we were treated very well. There was more than enough to eat, all of which was very nice and as much tea and coffee as we wanted. I would certainly recommend this and go again in the future.